Coated pans are a must in every kitchen. Thanks to their non-stick coating, nothing sticks when frying and cleaning is child’s play. You also need less fat, which is particularly beneficial for health-conscious amateur cooks. In most cases, the non-stick coating is so robust that it can withstand occasional handling with sharp knives and pointed forks. But what happens if the coating peels off over time? Find out here when you should dispose of your coated pan.
You should dispose of a coated pan if you notice these signs
In principle, there is no exact time limit for how long you can use coated pans. According to experts, it is much more important to look after them properly. Despite good care, many pans show more and deeper scratches with increasing age. The scratches are harmless to health, but reduce the non-stick properties of the pan.
If there are too many scratches, the food could stick to the base of the pan – definitely a reason to dispose of the pan. However, Daniela Krehl from the Bavarian consumer advice center recommends disposing of the pan at the latest when the coating in the pan comes off. But where is the sustainability if you have to buy a new frying pan every few years?
Have the pan recoated
When you dispose of a pan, do not put it in the residual waste, but always at a recycling center. However, there is another alternative: some manufacturers offer to recoat pans. It is best to ask a specialist retailer or research suitable offers on the internet. Prices are usually between 15 and 50 euros.
Health problems caused by coated pans?
If small pieces do come off the coating and you accidentally swallow them while eating, you can rest assured. The particles of the inert substance “polytetrafluoroethylene” are not digested and are ultimately excreted unchanged. The so-called polymer only decomposes at a temperature of 360 °C. This leads to toxic vapors that can trigger flu-like symptoms.
So make sure that you do not heat coated pans too much – especially if they are already slightly damaged. Consumer advocates advise not to leave pans on the hot hob for longer than three minutes without any food in them – and no longer than one minute on induction hobs. The coating of the pan discolors above 230 °C and could even peel off. However, as long as the frying pan is filled with food, overheating is extremely unlikely. Water or food containing water usually does not cause the temperature to rise significantly above 100 °C, i.e. the boiling point of water.
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Extending the life of the pan
To prolong the life of your coated pan, you should avoid extreme temperature changes. When you remove the hot pan from the heat after frying, you should therefore allow it to cool down before rinsing it with cold water or soaking it. Also, only use wooden or plastic cooking spoons and always clean the pan with a soft cloth or sponge. It is often sufficient to wipe out the coated pan with a kitchen towel after use.
If you follow these tips and take good care of your frying pans, you are sure to enjoy them for a long time to come. Unfortunately, signs of use, such as small scratches, cannot be avoided over time. In the event of major damage, it is therefore advisable to buy a new pan or at least replace the coating.
Source: t-online
